It is finally that time - my wife and I are about to embark on our world-tour; I will be focusing my time on some personal projects and the final preparations ahead of our ultimate departure. As a result, I will be stepping out of the “Managing Editor” role for headphones.com and “The HEADPHONE Community”.
The many wonderful people, unique atmosphere and approach here deserve the attention of someone that has the time and focus to devote to it - and I no longer do.
This is not, by any means, a new, or sudden thing. I’ve been talking about my pending departure here for at least a year and have even mentioned it in some of my reviews - typically in the context of how a given piece of gear might fit into our travel and living plans over the next ten or so years.
I’d like to give special thanks to @Andrew and @taronlissimore for entrusting me with this role over the last not-quite-two-years, as well as to the myriad members that I’ve had a chance to get to know and have enjoyed talking with. It has been an entertaining experience.
I will still be around, although progressively less actively than I have been. I have a handful of in-flight reviews to post. After which, I intend to focus my listening time on simply enjoying the music.
What you’re embarking upon is a rare opportunity for anyone. It’s a blessing to be able to create the time, resources, and space to do something like this together. And I hope it is thoroughly relaxing, enriching, and eye opening.
I have learned an incredible deal from speaking to you and reading everything you’ve written. Thank you so much for taking the time and care to help everyone.
Enjoy your future time!! Thanks, many thanks for your work here and all the knowledge you have shared with us.
We’ll miss that winking cat wearing headphones in every post from now on.
Ian, I just read a post of yours regarding the HeddPhone over at HeadFi and decided to sign up here to be able to read more and interact…only to find out your leaving!
The little I´ve been able to read from you has been great and I wish to thank you for your informative posting. Last but not least I want to wish you and your wife health and happiness wherever you may be, please try to keep in touch and let us know how you are.
The man, the myth, the legend ! if it wasn’t for your wisdom, willingness to share and general good dude-ness lol I don’t think I would be where I’m at today on my audio journey! I’m very grateful for the time you’ve made yourself available to shoot the in person let alone your mentoring in photography, writing and wisdom imparting ways!
Cheers and clear sailing on the horizon to you and your wife!
Remember red sky in the morning sailors take warning…red skies at night, sailors delight!
Tyler
P.s. I look forward to hearing about your adventures and seeing your photos that you are willing to share =) don’t forget your trusty hat and whip
If it is available before we depart, it’ll get reviewed - since it’s something I would buy if the performance warrants it.
Not all of our travel will be at sea, but it will start there. We’ll be living in a number of countries and using them as a base to spend serious time in the surrounding ones. But we will be moving around a fair bit, so that’ll result in a more concentrated selection of gear travelling with us.
Ian - It’s been a pleasure reading your impressions and reviews over the years and then getting to meet the legend in person on a few occasions. Thanks for your gracious hospitality and thoughtful opinions. I hope you and your wife have a grand ol’ adventure and hope to see your less frequent posts in the future!
Many thanks for all the time you have taken to share (a small part) of your knowledge and experience with us, and although some (not necessarily on this forum) may not have appreciated it, there are always plenty of us that do.
If you hit Spain, I would love to buy you a beverage of your choice (as long as that choice doesn’t cost more than my headphone set up )
It’s been a real treasure reading your reviews and having your engagement on this forum. I’ve learned quite a bit in that short amount of time, and I truly appreciate everything that you’ve done for the community as a whole.
I look forward to hearing of your new adventures, and hope that you and your wife experience the best of what the world has to offer.
I will be sad to see you leave your role as our Managing Editor. It’s been great to learn many things regarding Audio and Headphones. The forum will miss you greatly. Have a wonderful trip and safe journey.
Have a wonderful trip @Torq you will be greatly missed Ian! I appreciate you taking the time to answer all my questions and help one of the new guys like me to better understand the world of headphones and audio. Your reviews have been awesome and I have learned so much from you! Thank you again for everything.
It is rare, perhaps as rare as the elusive theremin, to find a contributor to audio forums such as this one who wields the expertise, the experience and the writing skills to convey it all so succinctly, clearly, honestly and to boot, with humility and diplomacy.
Thank you for all the advice and knowledge you have imparted and for taking the time to do it. I joined this forum mostly because of your work; it has been a great help and will be sorely missed.
@taronlissimore, @Resolve and I just got back to our Airbnb after a long day (and a few great meals) in New York.
Ian, I hope you know how much you mean to us. You’ve shared your knowledge so generously and I can confidently say that this wonderful community would be nowhere near what it has become without your incredible contribution.
We’re excited for your next chapter, but secretly hope you’re drawn to the siren call of headphone dialogue when you have wifi in whatever Jungle / Desert / Mountain / Sea you find yourself in or on.
I look forward to hearing about your adventures as they unfold and I hope you enjoy every second.
d
if it wasn’t for your wisdom, willingness to share and general good dude-ness lol 
in person let alone your mentoring in photography, writing and wisdom imparting ways!